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Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank

Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank

Summary

Exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorist attack, rocket fire and military confrontation. Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime and anywhere in Israel. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. See
Safety and security.

Do not travel to the Gaza Strip due to the dangerous and unpredictable security situation. Exiting the area is very difficult and unpredictable. The capacity of the Australian Government to deliver consular assistance in Gaza is extremely limited. See
Safety and security.

Since February 2018 there have been multiple direct military confrontations in the region, including missiles fired towards Israeli-controlled territory. Tensions remain high and further confrontation is possible. See
Safety and security.

There is a particular threat of rocket attack and other violence in the regions bordering Egypt, Lebanon and Syria. Violent incidents have occurred and the security situation could further deteriorate at any time. See Safety and security. See
Safety and security.

Wherever you travel, make sure you study emergency procedures and know how to respond to air raid sirens. Identify the location of the nearest emergency shelter. See
Safety and security.

Avoid all protests, demonstrations and political rallies as they may turn violent. See
Safety and security.

If you have called for, or belong to an organisation which has called for, a boycott of Israel or Israeli settlements, you may be denied entry to Israel. See
Entry and exit.

Entry and exit

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

Visas

If you're travelling to Israel for tourism purposes for a period of less than three months, you generally won't need a visa. For longer stays, you'll need to arrange a visa in advance.

Other formalities

Everyone seeking to enter Israel, the Gaza Strip or the West Bank is subject to security and police record checks by Israeli authorities. You may be refused entry or exit without explanation. You may also be subject to lengthy questioning and bag searches by security officials on arrival and departure.

If you are coming to protest against Israeli policies (including as part of flotillas) you may be refused entry and returned to your country of embarkation. Israeli officials can deny entry to foreign nationals who have called for, or belong to organisations which have called for, a boycott of Israel or Israeli settlements.

The Australian Government is unable to intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements.

You receive an entry card instead of an entry stamp on arrival. Keep this card with your passport until you leave. The card is evidence of your legal entry into Israel and may be requested by authorities during your stay.

If you plan to travel to other regional countries after Israel, read the
travel advice for these countries. Some countries may refuse you entry if your passport contains evidence of travel to Israel, or if your luggage has stickers indicating you have been to Israel.

Travel restrictions

Israeli authorities may impose travel restrictions on some visitors to Israel and the West Bank. There is not clear information about which categories of travellers may be subject to these restrictions.

If you enter Israel via the Allenby Bridge crossing and indicate you plan to travel to the West Bank, you may have your passport stamped 'Palestinian Authority Only'. If you receive this stamp, you will be restricted to West Bank destinations and prevented from entering Israel, including Jerusalem. Airport officials may require you to sign a form that prohibits you entering the West Bank. The Australian Embassy has limited ability to intervene in these situations.

The Gaza Strip

Do not travel to the Gaza Strip due to the dangerous and unpredictable security situation.

Exiting the Gaza Strip is difficult and unpredictable. There are only two land crossings into and out of Gaza (Erez, controlled by Israel; and Rafah, controlled by Egypt). Both crossings may be closed or have highly restricted access for extended periods. You may not be able to exit the Gaza Strip even if you are in possession of valid entry and exit permits. The ability of the Australian Government to intervene is extremely limited.

The Erez crossing into the northern Gaza Strip from Israel is controlled by Israeli authorities. You must have permission from the Israeli authorities to use the Erez crossing. The Israeli authorities rarely grant permission for individuals to depart Gaza through the Erez crossing. Australian-Palestinians holding a Palestinian ID and/or passport can contact the
Palestinian General Authority of Civil Affairs for assistance.

The Rafah crossing into the Gaza Strip from Egypt is controlled by Egyptian authorities. You must get permission from Egyptian authorities to enter and exit the Gaza Strip using the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Regulations and restrictions governing the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip are subject to change. People who enter the Gaza Strip through this border crossing must leave the same way. The crossing may open or close at short notice. Once the crossing is closed, it is impossible to enter or leave the Gaza Strip through this crossing. You may be delayed in the Gaza Strip for an extended period (possibly months) while waiting for approval to return to Egypt and for the crossing to open.

Money

The currency in Israel is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). ATMs are widely available. Australian dollars can be converted into shekels in major centres.

Declare cash of USD10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency) if you are travelling in or out of Israel. This includes notes and coins, money orders, cheques and travellers cheques. If you fail to declare your cash or give incorrect information on entry to, or exit from, Israel, you could be arrested and/or fined.

Safety and security

Civil unrest and political tension

There is a high threat of civil unrest in Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and the security situation could deteriorate without warning. International events and political developments may prompt planned and spontaneous protests and demonstrations, which can turn violent.

Since late March 2018, widespread demonstrations by Palestinians have taken place along the Israel-Gaza Strip border, with increased intensity on Fridays. There have been a number of casualties from clashes between protesters and Israeli security forces. Several improvised explosive devices have been uncovered in the border area.

A large number of rockets and mortars has been fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel, some landing in populated areas, including significant rounds of rocket fire into parts of southern Israel in November 2018. Further such incidents, as well as Israeli military responses, may occur. Further conflict between Hamas and Israel would significantly increase risks to your safety and security.

Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings as they could result in violence. Monitor the media and other sources for information about planned and possible unrest. Demonstrations could occur anywhere, but are more likely in and around checkpoints to/from the West Bank and in and around the Old City in Jerusalem.

There is an increased risk of violent confrontation at checkpoints, where options to leave the area can be limited. Australian officials have been advised to avoid traffic congestion at checkpoints.

There are regular demonstrations and attacks on vehicles if being driven on the Sabbath (see Local customs) in and around ultra-Orthodox neighbourhoods and in East Jerusalem. Israeli security forces monitor large gatherings and may intervene.

There were a number of violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces around the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif in July 2017. Tensions remain high and further incidents are possible.

During the most significant military operation in Gaza in July-August 2014, over 4,000 rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel. Any further conflict between Hamas and Israel would significantly increase risks to safety and security.

Increased tension between Israel and Iran since February 2018, primarily relating to developments in Syria, has resulted in multiple direct military confrontations, including missiles fired towards Israeli-controlled territory. Tensions remain high and further confrontation is possible.

During military operations, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) may declare an area a closed military zone. Any civilians found in the area in breach of military orders can be arrested, detained in prison and, where considered appropriate, deported.

Municipality websites maintain lists of public bomb shelters and other emergency preparedness information. The Israel Defence Force's Home Front Command website also provides information on preparedness and on how to respond to rocket attacks.

Avoid any demonstrations, political rallies and large public gatherings.

Monitor the news and other sources for information on planned and possible unrest or strikes, and plan your activities to avoid those areas.

Be particularly vigilant during Jewish and Muslim religious holidays, such as Rosh Hashana, Ramadan and Pesach.

Avoid traffic congestion at checkpoints.

In each place you stay, familiarise yourself with emergency procedures and how to respond to air raid sirens, including knowing the location of the nearest emergency shelters.

If you are caught in military action or civil disorder, follow the instructions of local authorities. Unless instructed otherwise, remain indoors and monitor the media.

Gaza Strip and surrounding areas (including waters off Gaza)

Do not travel to the Gaza Strip because of the extremely dangerous and unpredictable security situation and the potential for further Israeli military operations.

Since late March 2018, widespread demonstrations by Palestinians have taken place along the Israel-Gaza border, with increased intensity on Fridays. There have been a number of casualties from clashes between protesters and Israeli security forces. Several improvised explosive devices have been uncovered in the border area.

Further conflict in Gaza could occur at any time without warning, including involving the firing of rockets from Gaza and Israeli military responses. Some international media representatives have been prevented from departing Gaza.

Large, sometimes violent, demonstrations and threats to Western interests have occurred in the Gaza Strip. Foreign nationals have been injured. In the past, a significant number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped.

Do not travel by sea to the coast of the Gaza Strip. Israel has a naval blockade in place. Don't participate in any attempt to break the naval blockade. The Israeli Navy routinely patrols territorial waters and a contiguous zone. Attempts to breach the naval blockade along the coast of Gaza have resulted in the injury, death, arrest and/or deportation of foreigners, including Australians.

Reconsider your need to travel to areas of Israel within 5 kilometres of the border with the Gaza Strip due to the threat of rocket attack and spill-over from civil unrest along the Gaza-Israel border. This includes the city of Sderot.

The Australian Government has extremely limited capacity to provide consular assistance to Australians in the Gaza Strip. If you are caught in military action or civil disorder, remain in a secure location indoors and monitor the media for information.

West Bank

Reconsider your need to travel to the West Bank (including but not limited to Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho and Ramallah), due to the unpredictable security situation. Do not enter closed military zones, even where these have been in place for an extended period such as in the old city of Hebron.

There are ongoing tensions and violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank. Stone-throwing and other violent incidents are common, particularly around settlements and military checkpoints. Tensions can arise at short notice and violence occurs in areas frequented by tourists. There is a particularly high rate of violence in and around the Hebron area.

Large, sometimes violent, demonstrations have occurred in the West Bank. Foreign nationals have been injured.

Israeli authorities may close crossings to the West Bank on local holidays and in response to security incidents. Israeli security operations take place in the West Bank and can include military actions.

Strict security measures have frequently been imposed following terrorist actions, and the movement of Palestinians (including Australian dual nationals) has been severely impeded.

If you are in the West Bank and are caught in military action or civil disorder, remain in a secure location indoors and monitor the media for information. In such situations, contact the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv for assistance (see
Where to get help).

Israel's borders with neighbouring States

Cross-border political tensions and unrest create security risks for regions of Israel close to its borders with Egypt, Lebanon and Syria.

There is an ongoing threat of rocket attack, infiltration attempts, retaliatory fire and other militant activity along the border between Israel and Lebanon (known as the 'Blue Line'). There is a significant military presence in the area. The security situation could deteriorate without notice.

Security incidents in the southern city of Eilat and the surrounding area near the Gulf of Aqaba (including the border crossing with Egypt near Eilat) have resulted in deaths and injuries. There is also an ongoing threat of rocket attack in this area.

Reconsider your need to travel to all parts of the Golan Heights to the east of Route 98 due to the activities of militants in Syria. There has been sustained conflict on the Syrian side of the border since 2014 and cases of kidnapping near the border. Parts of Route 98 are sporadically closed due to fighting on the Syrian side of the border. Occasionally artillery and small arms fire from Syria land in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.

Terrorism

Israel continues to be a target of terrorist attacks.

Local and international political developments and events may prompt terrorist attacks but attacks could occur anywhere, at any time. While the scale and frequency of terrorist attacks in Israel and the Palestinian Territories have decreased significantly in recent years, particularly compared to the early 2000s, terrorist incidents continue to occur.

Terrorists have attacked buses, public transport hubs and areas visited by tourists, such as the Old City in Jerusalem and also Jaffa, Sarona Market and Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv. There have also been a number of violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces around the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, in suburbs of East Jerusalem, and in parts of the West Bank. Terrorist attacks could occur at security checkpoints, shopping centres and tourist areas, including historical sites, and other public places where large numbers of people gather.

Due to safety and security concerns, Australian Government officials and dependants are advised not to use public transport, except taxis, in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Militant and terror groups operate in regions of Egypt, Syria and Lebanon close to Israel, making travel close to Israel's borders with those countries dangerous. There have been several attacks against foreigners, including kidnappings.

Minimise risks:

In planning your activities, consider the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided.

Be alert to possible threats, especially at tourist locations, religious sites and crowded public places, near police checkpoints and in regions bordering Egypt, Syria and Lebanon.

If you travel to, or near, a region where terrorists are active, or a place that could be targeted by terrorists, take appropriate precautions and have an exit plan in case there is a security incident.

Avoid public transport, except taxis.

Report any suspicious activity or items to police.

Regularly check local and international media for news about any new or emerging threats.

Take official warnings seriously and follow the instructions of local authorities.

If there is an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it is safe to do so.

Crime

Theft from vehicles may occur, particularly in beachside areas. Australians have reported thefts from unattended vehicles near tourist sites.

Violent crime (other than terrorism and politically-motivated violence – see above) is rare.

Local travel

Your decisions on travel around Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip should take account of the general security situation and specific risks to your safety and security in different locations.

Safety standards

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities, are not always met. Suitable safety equipment may not be provided. Maintenance standards and safety precautions may be ignored.

If you plan to participate in adventure activities:

check if the activity is covered by your insurance policy

don't be afraid to ask about or insist on minimal safety requirements

always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts, even if others don't

if appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Road travel

Security checkpoints may be set up or closed at any time, often without warning, throughout Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. You could encounter delays or difficulties passing through checkpoints.

Israeli car insurance does not usually cover travel into Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank, such as Bethlehem, Jericho or Ramallah. Separate insurance can often be arranged for travel to these areas.

Driver's licence

You can drive in Israel for up to a year with a valid Australian driver's licence.

Motorcycles

Under Israeli law, you must wear a helmet at all times when riding a motorcycle, including when travelling as a passenger.

check that your travel insurance policy covers you when travelling by motorcycle;

only ride a motorcycle if you are properly licensed and are familiar with – and comfortable in – local driving conditions.

Taxis

Taxis are generally safe and reliable.

Public transport

Take particular care when using public transport. Due to safety and security concerns, Australian Government officials and dependants are advised not to use public transport, except taxis, in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. See
Safety and security.

Sea travel

Air travel

The Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See instead the
Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Israel.

Dual nationals

Israeli citizens are required to enter and leave Israel on an Israeli passport. Under Israeli law, you are considered to be Israeli if one or both of your parents are Israeli.

Israel has military service obligations that apply to both males and females. Australian/Israeli dual nationals may be required to undertake military service. If you are unsure of your military service obligations, consult the nearest
Embassy or Consulate of Israel before you travel.

Australians of Palestinian background who are, or who once were, holders of a Palestinian ID card are considered by both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to be Palestinian nationals while in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip or Israel. If you are considered to be Palestinian, you may be required to obtain a Palestinian travel document. Contact an
Embassy or Consulate of Israel for up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements for Australian/Palestinian dual nationals.

Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/Israeli and Australian/Palestinian dual nationals who are detained or arrested may be limited.

Local customs

Familiarise yourself with local and religious customs and take care not to offend.

Public displays of affection are frowned on at religious sites in Israel. Observe appropriate standards of behaviour if you are visiting Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods. In the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, public displays of affection may cause offence.

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour at holy sites in Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Exercise judgement when photographing people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas. Ask permission before photographing individuals.

The Shabat or Sabbath (from sunset Friday until sunset Saturday) is closely observed in Orthodox Jewish areas in Israel. During this time of rest, driving and using electricity is restricted. In Orthodox neighbourhoods, driving of cars or use of mobile phones and digital cameras on the Sabbath is likely to cause offence. Public access to these neighbourhoods is usually restricted on the Sabbath and you should not attempt to drive into them.

Unmarried couples (including same sex couples) are not permitted to live together or share hotel accommodation in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is expected to occur between early May and early June 2019. During Ramadan, take care to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs. In particular, avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and in the presence of people who are fasting.

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive
travel insurance before you depart to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. These can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars upfront.

Confirm:

what circumstances and activities are and are not covered under your policy

Medication

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. Before you leave Australia, check if your medication is legal in each country you're travelling to. Consult your doctor about alternatives well in advance of travel.

Take with you prescription medicines to cover you for your entire stay so you remain in good health. Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you'll take and that it's for personal use only.

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities in Israel is reasonable. Facilities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are generally below Australian standards. If you become seriously ill or injured in the West Bank or the Gaza Strip, you'll need to be evacuated to a destination with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuation could be very expensive.

Doctors may require up-front payment before commencing treatment and costs can be high.

A decompression chamber is located at Joseph Tal Hospital in Eilat.

Natural disasters

Israel and the Palestinian Territories are located in an active earthquake zone.

Flash floods can occur in the Judean Hills and Negev desert in winter months (November to March).

Sand and dust storms and bushfires occur during the warmer months.

If there is a natural disaster:

secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location or carry it on you at all times (in a waterproof bag)

contact friends and family in Australia with regular updates about your welfare and whereabouts

Where to get help

Depending on what you need, your best option may be to first contact your family, friends, travel agent, travel insurance provider, employer, or airline. Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.